How Do I Choose the Right Chart for My Chartplotter?

Choosing the right chart for your chartplotter comes down to three factors: device compatibility, area of use, and the features you need. In Finland, the most popular chart options are Navionics+, C-MAP, Garmin Navionics+, and Raymarine LightHouse. Each chart brand is designed to work with specific devices, so checking compatibility before buying is essential for safe navigation.

Electronic charts have advanced significantly in recent years. Modern chart cards offer detailed depth data, real-time updates, and smart route-planning features. This guide walks through how to choose the right chart for your chartplotter.

Which chart card suits which chartplotter?

Chart card compatibility is determined by the chartplotter's manufacturer. This is the single most important factor in choosing a chart, since the wrong type of chart either won't work at all in a device or will only work with limited functionality. Below is a summary of compatibility by manufacturer:

Garmin chartplotters: Garmin devices only use Garmin Navionics+ and Garmin Navionics Vision+ charts. A regular Navionics+ card won't work in a Garmin device. This is because of Garmin's own chart format, which differs from the standards used by other manufacturers.

Raymarine chartplotters: Raymarine's Axiom and Element series support three chart options: Raymarine LightHouse, Navionics+, and C-MAP. LightHouse charts are Raymarine's own chart series and come pre-installed on most Raymarine chartplotters.

Lowrance, Simrad, and B&G: These three brands belong to the same corporate group and use compatible charts. Both Navionics+ and C-MAP work in these devices. Lowrance chartplotters are especially popular among anglers thanks to the C-MAP Genesis feature.

Humminbird: Humminbird devices support Navionics+ charts, making them compatible with a wide chart selection.

Navionics+ vs. C-MAP vs. Garmin Navionics+ – what are the differences?

There are significant differences between chart brands in features, update practices, and price level. Making the right choice requires understanding these differences in relation to your own needs.

Navionics+ – the most popular choice in Finland

Navionics charts are by far the most popular in Finland, and EU644L is one of the most popular chart cards for chartplotters. Navionics is especially known for its SonarChart depth maps and the ActiveCaptain community, which enables real-time information sharing among boaters.

Navionics+ includes 12 months of free updates, which require registering the chart card within two months of purchase. Updates can be downloaded via the Chart Installer software or through the mobile app. The Navionics WebApp lets you explore chart data for free before making a purchase decision.

SonarChart Live's beauty is that any boater can create and use better charts with very little effort or cost.

C-MAP – the angler's choice

C-MAP charts offer an especially detailed High-Res Bathymetry base map, which includes depth data collected by the Genesis community. This makes C-MAP an excellent choice for anglers who need detailed information about bottom contours.

The C-MAP product family is divided into tiers: Discover (basic chart), Reveal (adds a 3D bottom view), and the newest Discover X and Reveal X for next-generation devices. It's important to note that Discover X and Reveal X charts only work with the B&G Zeus S and Simrad NSX series.

The C-MAP Genesis Live feature lets you record your own depth maps directly on the device, which is especially useful in uncharted waters or private lakes.

Garmin Navionics+ – an integrated solution

Garmin Navionics+ combines the best of Garmin and Navionics in a single chart. In 2017, Garmin acquired Navionics, which led to the creation of the Garmin Navionics+ chart series, offering an integrated solution for Garmin users.

Garmin Navionics+ includes Auto Guidance+ technology, which automatically calculates a safe route between two points, taking into account the boat's draft and overhead clearances. Daily chart updates are available through the ActiveCaptain app.

Garmin Navionics Vision+ is the premium version, adding extra features such as Relief Shading depth shading, satellite imagery, aerial harbor photos, and 3D views (FishEye and MarineEye).

Raymarine LightHouse – the built-in option

Raymarine LightHouse is Raymarine's own chart series, which comes pre-installed on most Axiom and Element series devices. LightHouse charts cover Northern Europe, including the Finnish coast and inland waters.

The advantage of LightHouse charts is seamless integration with Raymarine's devices and operating system. The charts support the RealBathy feature, which lets you create your own depth maps for uncharted areas.

Chart card comparison table

The table below summarizes the key features and compatibility:

How do chart card updates work?

Update practices vary by manufacturer, but most offer 12 months of free updates. Updates give you access to the latest depth data, channel changes, and harbor information.

Navionics updates: Register your chart card on Navionics' web service within two months of purchase to get 12 months of updates. Updates are downloaded via the Chart Installer software on a computer or the ActiveCaptain app. After the first year, you can continue updates by purchasing the Navionics Updates service.

C-MAP updates: Purchase includes 12 months of online updates. The Genesis Live feature also lets you record and share your own depth data with the community.

Garmin Navionics+ updates: Daily chart updates are available through the ActiveCaptain app. Charts are continually updated with the latest data. After the first year, the charts keep working normally, but new updates require a separate subscription.

Chart card selection checklist

Before buying a chart card, go through the following to make sure you choose correctly:

1. Check your chartplotter's make and model: Find out exactly which chart formats your device supports. Only Garmin charts work in Garmin devices, while Raymarine, Lowrance, and Simrad support several options.

2. Confirm memory card compatibility: Almost all modern devices use MicroSD cards. Older devices may only support smaller card sizes (e.g., 8 GB or 16 GB), so check your device's technical specifications.

3. Choose the right coverage area: For Finnish waters, the most popular options are EU644L (all of Finland) and regional charts such as the Gulf of Finland or the Gulf of Bothnia. If you also boat abroad, you'll need wider coverage.

4. Assess your need for extra features: For anglers, C-MAP Genesis or Navionics SonarChart are useful. Sailors benefit from tide and current data. For long passages, auto-routing saves time.

5. Consider update practices: Register your chart card promptly to get free updates. Also compare the cost of continued updates between manufacturers.

Frequently asked questions about chartplotter charts

Does a regular Navionics+ card work in a Garmin chartplotter?

No. Garmin chartplotters specifically require Garmin Navionics+ or Garmin Navionics Vision+ charts. A regular Navionics+ card is intended for other manufacturers' devices, such as Raymarine, Lowrance, Simrad, and Humminbird. This is one of the most common mistakes when buying a chart card.

What's the difference between Navionics+ and Navionics Platinum+?

Navionics+ is the base chart, including depth data, channel markers, and harbor information. Platinum+ adds premium features such as satellite imagery, 3D views, and Relief Shading depth shading. On Garmin devices, the equivalent premium version is Garmin Navionics Vision+.

Can a chart card be used in more than one device?

A chart card can be physically moved from one device to another, but it can only be used in one device at a time. Some manufacturers, such as Garmin, offer the ability to sync waypoints and routes across multiple devices via a cloud service.

How do I know what chart card size fits my device?

Check your device's manual for the maximum supported memory card size. Newer devices generally support 32 GB or larger cards, but older models may only work with smaller cards. Marinekauppa also carries 1 GB and 2 GB cards for older devices.

Does the chart card need to be updated?

Chart updates are recommended for navigational safety. Channels, depth data, and harbor services change over time, and updated charts ensure you have current information. In Finland, Traficom makes annual changes to channel markings, which are reflected in updated electronic charts.

Order your chart card from Marinekauppa

Choosing the right chart card is an investment in safe boating. In Marinekauppa's range you'll find all the most popular chart cards from the Navionics+, C-MAP, and Garmin Navionics+ lines. Complete your navigation system with harbor guides, which offer valuable extra information about harbors and anchorages.

If you're unsure which chart card is right for you, contact our customer service – we'll help you find the right chart for your chartplotter!

Sources and further reading

Navionics – Official product site and SonarChart features

Garmin Navionics – Garmin Navionics+ product information and chart comparison

C-MAP – Genesis and Discover chart series features

Raymarine LightHouse Charts – Technical information on the LightHouse chart system

Panbo Marine Electronics – A review of the SonarChart Live feature

Disclaimer

This guide provides general guidance only and does not replace the product manufacturer's operating, installation, or service instructions. Marinekauppa is not responsible for actions taken based on this guide or their consequences. Always check product-specific instructions and consult a qualified professional if needed.